The First Marquis of Daxuan

A gust of wind swept across the desolate plains.

Su Mu, Jin Hong (the Transcendent One), and others retreated.

Those with the means protected those around them who were unable to resist.

A moment later, the gale disappeared.

The desolate plains have returned to their original gloomy and gray state.

And those few desolate creatures had also vanished without a trace.

The surroundings were completely silent, with only the heavy shouts of the crowd audible.

Everyone looked around warily.

for a long time.

Only then did they realize that Huangtian Bio had indeed retreated.

"That force just now—"

Su Mu and the transcendent Jin Hong exchanged a glance, both seeing the solemnity in each other's eyes.

Just now, the Transcendent One Jin Hong had gained the upper hand and was about to kill another Desolate Heaven creature.

As a result, a strong wind arose, so strong that it even forced the transcendent Jin Hong to retreat several steps.

That wasn't a natural gale; someone had rescued those wild creatures in this way.

Even with Su Mu and the transcendent Jin Hong's strength, facing that raging wind still felt breathtaking.

They were almost certain that the person who rescued the Desolate Creature was no less powerful than them, and perhaps even stronger!

Unexpectedly, such a powerful being is hidden in the desolate plains!

The water here is deeper than they imagined.

Su Mu's face showed a thoughtful expression.

He was just about to awaken Master Xuanxuan's consciousness.

However, in the end, all their efforts were in vain.

The desolate creature that Master Xuanxuan had transformed into was also swept away by the gale.

It's unknown whether Master Xuanxuan's newly regained self-awareness will be able to regain control of his body.

That seems unlikely.

Even Master Xuanxuan couldn't withstand the onslaught of the power of the Desolate Heaven before, so this time it's probably going to be a tough fight as well.

Su Mu originally wanted to learn more about the creatures of the Desolate Heaven from Master Xuanxuan, but now he definitely won't have the chance.

"Brother Jin, the enemy is unfathomable. In my opinion, it would be best to retreat first and make further plans."

Su Mu said in a deep voice.

If the creature that just rescued the Desolate Creature was from the Desolate Plains, then it would definitely be the most powerful one, far stronger than the previous Desolate Creatures.

This force has exceeded their expectations, and if they rashly continue forward, the consequences could be disastrous.

Although Jin Hong, the Transcendent One, was eager to eliminate the Desolate Creatures, he also knew that haste makes waste.

Now that he's certain he can kill the creatures of the Wilderness, there's no need to rush into taking risks.

Anyway, as long as they keep the Desolate Creatures trapped on the Desolate Plains, they can deal with them slowly.

With a serious expression, Jin Hong, the Transcendent One, followed Su Mu and led the others slowly out of the Desolate Plains.

They only breathed a long sigh of relief after retreating to the edge of the desolate plains.

Looking at the desolate plains shrouded in chaos ahead, everyone felt as if they had survived a catastrophe.

After a long while, they burst into enthusiastic cheers.

"Since ancient times, no one has ever entered the Wasteland and left alive. We have created an unprecedented miracle!"

"We fought our way into the desolate wilderness and came back alive. I can brag about this for the rest of my life!"

"I can make my descendants keep bragging about it!"

The group discussed it excitedly.

After breaking into the Wasteland and killing a Wasteland creature, they retreated alive.

This is unprecedented.

Although everyone was covered in wounds, they were all in high spirits.

That's right, they didn't kill the dead desolate creature themselves.

But they were also involved in this battle.

If they hadn't entangled those desolate creatures, even the transcendent Jin Hong wouldn't have had the chance to kill that desolate creature one-on-one.

The deaths of those desolate creatures were definitely partly due to their actions.

Even the transcendent Jin Hong agreed; didn't you see the look of admiration on his face?

"The Daoist scriptures are indeed effective against the creatures of the desolate heavens."

Jin Hong, the Transcendent One, looked at Su Mu with undisguised admiration in his eyes.

"Su Mu, you truly are the savior of this universe."

With your Taoist scriptures, we no longer need to fear the great calamity of the desolate heavens!

"Are you really not afraid anymore?"

Unlike the detached Jin Hong, Su Mu was not optimistic. He said with a serious expression.

"Brother Jin, what is the origin of this desolate creature?"
Also, who exactly was that person who just rescued the Desolate Sky Creature?

Su Mu pressed for an answer.

The smile on Jin Hong's face gradually froze, and he remained silent for a moment.

"I was going to tell you this anyway."

"It is transcendent," Jin Hong said slowly.

"Originally, I thought that once the Great Calamity of Desolate Heaven subsided, I would give you the position of transcendence."

With you here, I have no right to occupy this position.

Jin Hong, the Transcendent One, said, "According to the rules, when the positions of Transcendent Ones are transferred, I will tell you everything."

"Is there some other secret involved?"

Su Mu asked in confusion.

He had heard some legends about the Great Calamity of Desolate Heaven from the Black Dragon Ao Kun, the Elephant Demon, and the Bear Demon.

But it's clear that their knowledge is limited.

The person in the world who understands the Great Calamity of Desolate Heaven best is probably the transcendent Jin Hong.

Moreover, Su Mu had always suspected that those who transcended others possessed a certain mysterious aura.

He also suspected that the Transcendent One was related to his system panel!
Su Mu has already discovered that the system panel has disappeared.

Since he comprehended the perfect Dao Scripture, the system panel has disappeared when he tries to access it again.

This comrade-in-arms who had accompanied him all the way suddenly disappeared without a trace.

Su Mu could feel that the system panel was still inside him, but no matter how he called out to it, the system panel would no longer appear.

This scene is likely related to the power of the desolate heavens.

Su Mu wanted to capture Xuanxuan Shangren alive because he wanted to find out the truth about the power of the Desolate Heaven.

Although he can now purify the power of the desolate heavens, he knows how but not why.

He really wanted to figure out what the relationship was between the Desolate Heaven Power, the Desolate Heaven Calamity, the Transcendent Ones, and his system panel.

Since the desolate creature that Master Xuanxuan transformed into failed to capture him alive, he could only ask the transcendent Jin Hong for help.

Even if Jin Hong, the transcendent being, doesn't know all the secrets, he must know some of them.

At the very least, Su Mu wanted to make sure that his system panel wasn't some kind of hidden danger.

The transcendent Jin Hong glanced at the crowd not far away and spoke calmly.

"The creatures of the Desolate Sky have been frightened by us and should not dare to leave the Desolate Sky Plains for a while. This universe is safe for the time being."

Will you accompany me for a walk around?

The transcendent Jin Hong did not tell Su Mu the truth directly, but calmly said...

Su Mu hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

He sent a message to Zhao Baiqi, Dongfang Liuyun, and others, instructing them to temporarily return to the Great Xuan Universe.

Then he and the transcendent Jin Hong transformed into two beams of golden light and instantly disappeared into the depths of the universe.

…………

Two figures landed on the bustling street.

The streets paved with bluestone were bustling with people.

Having suddenly returned to the human world from the desolate wilderness, Su Mu felt as if he had been transported to another world.

The great calamity did not affect this place, and these ordinary people continued to live their lives.

They were unaware that their lives had once been utterly destroyed.

Even if Su Mu and the transcendent Jin Hong failed to stop the Great Calamity of Desolation, these ordinary people wouldn't actually feel anything.

Because when the Great Calamity descends, they will die immediately.

They don't even feel much pain.

“Being an ordinary person without practicing martial arts can sometimes be a kind of happiness.”

The detached Jin Hong led Su Mu casually to a tea stall, ordered two cups of iced tea from the owner, and sat down on the street.

The two most powerful beings in the entire universe now appear no different from ordinary people.

They drank the cold tea, which cost a penny a bowl, without complaining about its bitterness.

"If you could choose again, would you rather be an ordinary person, or would you choose to practice martial arts again?"

Su Mu said softly.

"Perhaps I will live the life of an ordinary person."

The transcendent one, Jin Hongdao.

That's because you've never been an ordinary person.

Su Mu said calmly, "Brother Jin, I don't know your background, but I am of ordinary birth."

Ordinary people are not as happy as you say; their lives are full of torment.

They are ignorant, so they should be shown the truth, not fooled with the idea that ignorance is bliss. Brother Jin, if you had ever experienced hunger, being beaten, being verbally abused, and working hard but still unable to support your family, you would never say that ordinary people live happy lives!

Su Mu's voice was firm and resonant, startling Jin Hong, the Transcendent One.

He certainly didn't have the experiences of an ordinary person.

He came from a prestigious sect and began practicing martial arts at a young age, becoming a genius within the sect at a young age.

He has hardly experienced the hardships of ordinary people.

"Perhaps, this is the difference between you and me."

The detached Jin Hong smiled bitterly, “I have always thought I was showing compassion to all living beings, but I have never even understood their real lives.”

"It's not your fault, you've done a great job."

Even ants cling to life; their ignorance of the Great Calamity doesn't mean it should easily take their lives.

Su Mu shook his head and said softly.

“Every life has the right to know the truth. We may think we are doing it for their own good, but that may not be the case.”

I've always believed that everyone should have the opportunity to choose.

Su Mu said.

"You're right."

The transcendent Jin Hong nodded slowly and said, "But there are some things that are indeed not suitable for ordinary people to know."

They knew that this would not only be unhelpful, but would actually be a disaster.

"for example?"

"For example, the origin of the desolate plains."

The detached Jin Hong finally got to the point.

He took Su Mu on a journey through the universe, visiting many places, seeing the scenery, experiencing the people, and tasting the delicacies of different universes.

Su Mu did not ask any further questions about the Wasteland Plains.

Now, he knew that the transcendent Jin Hong was finally getting to the point.

"All these universes actually grow on the same tree, and each universe is a fruit that grows on this tree."

And the desolate plains are the roots of this tree.

"It is the transcendent one," Jin Hong said in a deep voice.

Although they were in a bustling city, no one could hear what the two were saying.

To outsiders, the two of them just looked like they were drinking tea and chatting, and they would subconsciously ignore the content of their conversation.

Given Su Mu's and Jin Hong's strength as a transcendent being, it would be almost impossible for anyone to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Su Mu's face showed surprise.

Are you surprised?

The transcendent Jin Hong said with a wry smile, "The source of all the universes is actually the Desolate Plains."

I was also shocked when I first learned the truth.

"It was indeed a bit unexpected, but it's still acceptable."

Su Mu nodded and said.

"Even a peony can bloom on cow dung, remaining unstained by the mud."

It is not surprising that universes arose from the desolate plains.

"Your ability to accept things is indeed stronger than mine."

The detached Jin Hong praised.

"To get back to the point, this great tree that grew out of the heavens and the universe was rooted in the desolate plains, and the two became interdependent and competitive.

If the universe is stronger, the desolate plain will be weaker.

vice versa.

Therefore, whenever the myriad universes become too powerful, the creatures of the Desolate Heavens will emerge from the Desolate Heaven Plains. They will reduce the myriad universes to a single level, allowing the power of the Desolate Heaven Plains to once again overwhelm the myriad universes.

"The weakening of the power of the Desolate Plains will also cause the Desolate Plains creatures to decay?"

Su Mu pondered for a moment and asked.

"That's right, the physical changes of the Desolate Heaven creatures are ultimately due to the changes in the Desolate Heaven power."

The transcendent Jin Hong nodded and said.

"This power is the power of the desolate heavens in the desolate plains, and the power of righteousness in all the universes..."

Su Mu said thoughtfully.

"This is the ultimate truth."

"This is what Jin Hong, the transcendent one, said."

"If that's the case, if the power of the Desolate Plains is completely absorbed by the universe, then the roots of this great tree will never be replenished, and wouldn't the entire tree gradually wither away?"

Su Mu pondered and said, "From this perspective, isn't the Great Calamity of the Desolate Heaven actually beneficial?"
A large tree needs regular pruning to grow strong and healthy…

"The logic may be sound, but it's hard for people to accept emotionally."

No one wants to be the pruned branch.

The transcendent Jin Hong sighed and spoke slowly.

"Heaven and earth are ruthless, treating all things like straw dogs. The entire universe is merely the harvested fruit. Who can accept this?"

“The universe is the fruit, but you have transcended it. You have jumped out of this tree and are completely free from the limitations of this cycle.”

Su Mu pondered for a moment and said.

Those who transcend should, in principle, transcend not only their abilities but also their beliefs.

He shouldn't have gotten involved in what's happening in the tree.

But Jin Hong, who was detached from worldly affairs, happened to participate.

Not only did they participate, but they became completely absorbed in it, even risking their lives.

"I can indeed ignore everything."

"As long as I leave this tree, the creatures of the desolate sky can do nothing to me."

Jin Hong, the detached one, bluntly stated, "But I was born here, and it's hard for me to give up everything here and ignore everything."

I won't lie to you, there's only one path to this transcendent state, and if you want to attain it, I'll have to die.

I was able to obtain it because the previous transcendent being died.

Each successor to the detached ruler, when choosing a successor, always chose someone unwilling to abandon this great tree.

Su Mu: "..."

Isn't this just falling into a vicious cycle?

Even if you transcend the world and refuse to give up this great tree, what use are you besides fighting desperately against the creatures of the desolate sky?
It's truly remarkable that these people would use detached individuals to protect the fruit on this tree.

"I've heard people say that the Desolate Heaven Plain is the place where the first martial artist in the world passed away, and that the power of the Desolate Heaven Plain was transformed from his power. How is that possible?"

Su Mu pondered for a moment and asked.

He didn't understand Jin Hong and the others' choices, but he accepted them.

These are people's own choices, and it's not his place to interfere.

In any case, if Jin Hong wanted to give him the position of transcendence and let him guard these fruits, he would definitely not accept it.

He dealt with the Desolate Creatures purely because they had provoked him.

As for the existence or extinction of these fruits in all the heavens and myriad worlds, what does that have to do with him?
He can lend a hand when he has the means, but when he doesn't, he will definitely choose to protect himself first.

He would never risk his life to protect unrelated people.

If Jin Hong thinks that he was a benevolent and righteous person who sacrificed himself to save others because he fought desperately against Huangtian Biotechnology, then he is mistaken.

He did fight desperately against Huangtian Creatures before, but he's definitely not the kind of person Jin Hong thought he was.

Simply put, if he transcends, he will only think about how to lead all the people of Da Xuan to transcend as well.

Only after accomplishing this will he consider protecting all the heavens and myriad realms.

If he truly couldn't do it, he wouldn't choose to sacrifice himself; he would instead lead his family and friends to escape the desolate creatures.

The transcendent Golden Rainbow, who guards all the heavens and myriad realms, has no priority, but Su Mu does.

Su Mu was just an ordinary person, lacking a detached and broad-minded perspective.

"This matter is not entirely unfounded."

Jin Hong, the transcendent one, said, "To put it simply, a person was born on this tree when it first sprouted."

It may be a person, or it may not be; in any case, it is a living being.

This creature grew along with the tree, and then it developed intelligence and comprehended the path of cultivation.

As the tree grew larger, the creature's power also increased.

Until one day, the tree suddenly showed signs of withering.

In order to save the tree, that creature chose to become its own fertilizer.

He passed away peacefully on the desolate plains, and his power spread out, forming the earliest creatures of the desolate lands.

Upon hearing this, Su Mu couldn't help but smile wryly.

He had always thought that the Desolate Creatures were the villains.

Now it seems that might not be the case.

The Wild Sky Creatures are merely maintaining the tree's life.

On the contrary, these beings from all the heavens and myriad worlds are the termites on the tree.

Their existence caused the tree to gradually die, while the existence of the Desolate Creatures constantly interrupted this process, allowing the tree to linger on.

Whether it's good or bad really depends on each person's perspective.

Even knowing that it would lead to the death of this great tree, Su Mu could not bear to watch Luo Anning, Xiang Xiaoyuan, Dongfang Liuyun, Zhao Baiqi and others die.

"Isn't there a way to have the best of both worlds?"

Su Mu pondered for a moment and said, "It can both preserve the fruits of all the heavens and myriad worlds and allow this great tree to exist for a long time."

Why does it always have to be a life-or-death struggle?
"If we find a way to fertilize this tree, wouldn't that both protect the soil and allow the tree to grow strong and bear more fruit?"

"Do you have a solution?"

The transcendent Jin Hong looked at Su Mu and asked in a deep voice. (End of this chapter)